ABOVE 18 HAPPY TO GET THE COVID JAB? WELL, MOSTLY!
Youngsters express relief after the government’s decision to vaccinate those above the age of 18
Excitement, nervousness and a few apprehensions — the news that all adults above 18 could get the jab in “a liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination” from May 1, has brought mixed reactions from the young.
‘WE NEED TO HAVE FAITH IN THE SYSTEM’
After India reported a new record high of around 2.73 lakh cases a day, the news of the vaccine becoming available to everyone above 18, came as a sigh of relief to many.
“I have three main reasons to get the vaccine,” says Ruchir Gupta, a corporate professional, adding, “Firstly it’ll help us achieve herd immunity, secondly it’ll open up options for travelling for both work and leisure and thirdly, psychologically I would be relieved that I’ve taken the jab!”
A “small discomfort” shouldn’t have bearing on the decision, feels Akshay Kumar, a 29-year-old business architect, who is glad that the government has announced the vaccination for the youth. “I would rather get vaccinated than have the virus with no way to recover! A small discomfort is far better than landing in an ICU,” he says.
‘NO ONE CAN ASSURE THERE WON’T BE LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS’
And then there are those that have certain apprehensions for taking the jab. “I feel very hesitant in getting vaccinated,” says 22-year-old Jacqueline Joseph, a BEd student in Noida, adding, “Most people who are getting vaccinated are also contracting Covid, which is alarming! Since the beginning of the pandemic last year, I’ve pretty much stayed put at home. Fortunately for the time being I can work remotely.”
Chiquitta Oberoi, an 18-year-old, says she would like to get vaccinated, but wishes to see some results of the vaccine before going ahead. She says, “I’ve seen my family and friends getting bad body aches, head aches, high temperature, cough etc. Since the Covid vaccine is really new in the market, no one can assure that there will be no long term side effects on the body, which also makes me sceptical.”